UCLA-Wooden Classic relationship murky

The Bruins play San Diego State on Saturday at 7 p.m. at Honda Center in the latest installment of the annual event, named in honor of their former legendary coach. This marks UCLA's 16th year of playing in the Wooden Classic, which started in 1994, but the Bruins' future participation is not assured.

Honda Center owns and operates the Wooden Classic. For the second consecutive year, it is a one-game event, after 17 years as a doubleheader. Fans don't seem to mind. An arena spokesperson said Friday that fewer than 500 tickets remained available for Saturday's game.

UCLA's participation in the Wooden Classic has been a nod to its Orange County alumni and fans. While the event's future seems positive -- Honda Center president/CEO Tim Ryan said his group will "do everything in our power to keep the event in Orange County" -- the Bruins' agreement is on a year-to-year basis.

"Our partnership with UCLA over the years has been second to none," Ryan said. "Their support of this prestigious annual event has been at the highest level. I believe that will continue for many years."

UCLA recently re-opened Pauley Pavilion after $136 million in renovation, and, while the Wooden Classic is not considered a home game for UCLA, it's possible that in future years, the Bruins might choose to play another game at their on-campus arena rather than travel to Anaheim.

"With the new facility now, that's up to the leadership of the athletic department," Coach Ben Howland said this week. "That's something that I leave to Dan (Guerrero) and his team."

There's no firm commitment from the Bruins, going forward. UCLA did not participate in the Wooden Classic in 1996, 1999 and 2002.

"We appreciate the tremendous support we have received through the years," UCLA spokesman Nick Ammazzalorso said, "and are continuing to work with the Honda Center to ensure that it remains a premier event on the college basketball calendar."